The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-12-09
BRECKENRIDGE AND BLoUNT.
A Rather Fuller Account of Their Re-
cent Passage-at-Arns.
From the Ne,o York World.

From the NetC York World.
The passage-at-arms between Congress
man Clifton r. Breckenridge, of Arkansas,
and Congressman James II. Blount, of Geor-
gia, at the Democratic caucus last night has
naturally been the general topic of discus
sion to-day. Congressman Blount is ad-
mitted to have been too hasty in his attack
upon the Arkansas representative, who is
the son of John C. Breckenridge, accounted
thirty years ago the most brilliant of Amerl-
can statesmen. Congressman Bount is
about three sizes larger than Congressman
Breckenridge, but the latter is very plucky,
so that it is considered fortunate for both
that they were separated so promptly.
The trouble grew out of the contest over
the election of Doorkeeper to the House.
Samuel Donelson, the old Doorkeeper, has
been bitterly opposed for several days by
Congressman Breckenridge, among Others.
SO thoroughly convinced was Breckenridge
himself of the unfitnsss of Donelson that
he had made a personal fight against him
and has brought up number of charges
against Donelson. When Donelson's name
was introduced in the caucus Saturday
night Breckenridge at once resumed the
fight. In the course of his speech he went
over all the charges of dishonesty and in
competency that have already been pub
lished. Congressman Blount favored DOnel-
SOn anu at JIo CODCluSlOn VI
remarks made a reply, in the course of
which he denied with vigor several things
that had been said.
In this way the controversy grew hot,
and fast turned into insinuatiOns of per
sonal character. Both statesmen held the
floor at the same time, carrying on run
ming fire of mutual attack without regard
to which one had the privileges of the floor.
Finally, while Blount was getting his breath,
Breckenridge shouted:
These charges are of character that
no honest man would care to wear"
Blount regarded his adversary with
clenched fists until he cought the words
character and wear" In the confusion
of noises he understood "wear" and liar
In an instant Biount leaped from his desk
and rushing up to Breckenridge struck him
a severe blow on the nose Breckenridge
was speaking at the time, and before he re
covered from his establishment Blount fol-
lowed up his advantage with another blow.
As the second blow descended Breckenridge
recovered himself and letting out with his
right hand bruised the skin under Blount'S
eye. Several hit-and-miss passes then fol-
flowed in rapid succession, before the half
dozen persons near by could reach the men
and separate them. Congressman H. L.
Rusk, of Baltimore, in putting up his arms
to WELD the olive branch between the two
struggling statesmen received several severe
raps on his hands and fingers.
Breckenridge at once left Blount and
started off for home. He had not reached
the door when several members called out
after him that BlOunt was ready to MAKE
an apology. He laughed and hastened back.
Both gentlemen shook hands cordially, and
while BlOunt expressed his great regret for
what had TRANSFERRED, Breckenridge said he
had been greatly misunderstood, and felt no
ill-will toward the Georgia member for
what had TRANSFERRED. The two statesmen
then took their seats At his home, on
North Capita street, this afternoon, Con
gresham Breckenridge said:
Yes, it was an unfortunate affair, but
no harm was meant and none was done. 1t
all arose from a misunderstanding. Why,
Mr.. Blount never did understand any one
whowas ever in debate with him. / re-
member a friend told me of similar case
When he was deep in a debate a friend
arose and called his attention to a valuable
suggestion as to point he had overlooked
that would strengthen his argument.
When he had finished Mr. Blount said: Il
trust the member will not annoy me by fur
Their Interruptions He had not understood
a word that had been said to him.
THAT is about the way it was in the de-
bate last night. | suppose Mr.. Blount was
so engrossed in the argument that he really
did not know what | was saying He did
not know what he was answering, and got
a = impression that was attacking him. In
fact, / know the popularity of his mind,
and was seeking TO lead him into an under
standing on my position. If | could have
made him see the force of the charges | had
made against Donelson l thought he would
withdraw his opposition to my remarks
He misunderstood word used, and for
getting himself, struck me. l knew he
would regret it at once and that he did not
realize what he was doing | am on very
friendly terms with Mr.. Blount, and, in
fact, | feel almost an affection for him. He
apologized in a moment or two after he
struck me, and we laughed about it. / am
feeling very well, and | am sure neither of
us suffered very great punishment"